Former Probation Officer Sentenced

One day after a plea deal for former St. Clair County Judge Michael Cook was tossed, a former St. Clair County probation officer was sentenced for his alleged role in the death of St. Clair County Judge Joe Christ. 46-year old James Fogarty was sentenced to five years in prison on cocaine distribution and firearms charges as part of a plea deal that was accepted by U.S. District Judge Michael Reagan Thursday.

As part of the plea agreement, Fogarty admitted to selling cocaine to the pair of judges the night before Christ was found dead inside the Cook’s family cabin in Pike County. Prosecutors sought a longer sentence but could not prove the cocaine he sold was responsible for Christ’s death. In addition to the prison term, Fogarty will serve three years of parole and must pay a $500 fine.